Pressurized Gas Cooling Loop for Leak-Safe Electronic Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature regulation systems for electronic devices, particularly in data centers and automated test equipment, face challenges with liquid-based heat transfer mediums that pose risks of leaks, flammability, environmental hazards, and high costs, while gas-phase alternatives are limited in effectiveness and availability across operational temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
A closed circulation loop system using a pressurized gas phase heat transfer medium, such as compressed dry air, thermally communicates with electronic devices to control temperature by circulating through a plunger and heat exchanger, maintaining a consistent cooling power and temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid medium is used for heat transfer, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but risk of leaks and damage to electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic cooling by using compressed gas (air) instead of liquid coolant to remove heat from electronic components. The gas is circulated through channels in contact with the components, absorbing heat and transporting it away, thereby eliminating leak risks while maintaining cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inert or non-reactive gas (compressed air) as the heat transfer medium, creating a safe environment that cannot leak, corrode, or damage sensitive electronic components like CPUs and GPUs, while still providing adequate heat removal
2Temperature
If liquid medium is used for heat transfer, then cooling performance is improved, but cost and environmental risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compressed air, an abundant and inexpensive resource, as the heat transfer medium. This eliminates the need for expensive specialized liquids while providing sufficient cooling performance for the application
Solution Approach 2:
By using compressed air instead of expensive specialized liquids, the system achieves cost-effective cooling without environmental risks associated with liquid disposal and handling
3Reliability
If gas phase heat transfer medium is used, then safety and cost are improved, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gas by compressing it to high pressure, which increases its density and heat capacity, thereby significantly improving its cooling effectiveness while maintaining the safety advantages of using gas instead of liquid
Solution Approach 2:
By applying pneumatic principles with compressed gas circulation through engineered channels, the system achieves cooling effectiveness comparable to liquid systems while retaining the safety and cost benefits of gas-phase heat transfer
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective temperature control for electronic devices by minimizing risks associated with liquid leaks and maintaining consistent cooling power, reducing device displacement and condensation, and enhancing throughput in testing environments.
Implementation Method 1
A closed circulation loop system using a pressurized gas phase heat transfer medium, such as compressed dry air, thermally communicates with electronic devices to control temperature
Implementation Method 2
circulating through a plunger and heat exchanger, maintaining a consistent cooling power and temperature regulation
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger configured to be in thermal communication with a second portion of the closed circulation loop
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic testing system may use a gas phase heat transfer medium to cool components of the system and devices under test within the system. The heat transfer medium may be clean dry air, or other gas phase compounds.